WOLFVILLE, NS – With a final score of 90–67 against the visiting STFX X-Women, the Acadia Axewomen secured a win in their final home game of the season. The Axewomen were led by Subway Player of the Game, Haley McDonald (Port Williams, N.S.). McDonald finished the game with 32 points, four rebounds, and six assists.
The Axewomen honoured four graduating players for seniors' night tonight: Sophie Atkinson (Yarmouth, N.S.), Olivia Moller (Bedford, N.S.), Haley McDonald, and Sandy Saunders (Woodstock, N.B.). All four have won at least one conference championship and have been Academic All-Canadians in each of their years playing for Acadia.
Acadia came out red-hot offensively. In the first quarter, they shot 50% from the field and an astonishing 78% from three. Midway through the first quarter, Haley McDonald dished the ball to Bianca Helmig (Speyer, DEU) who connected on a three.
With the assist, McDonald became the Axewomen's all-time leader for assists with 333. With two regular-season games remaining in her illustrious career, McDonald also leads the Axewomen in points, made field goals, made threes, and made free throws.
The second quarter was a much more competitive quarter for the X-Women. Melina Collins (Brookside, N.S.) fueled STFX's offense. Collins shot perfectly from the field and from the line, scoring eight points in the quarter.
Another positive for the X-Women in this game was Kristine Cooper (Hamilton, Ont.). Cooper played phenomenal point-of-attack defense, securing three steals in the match.
Despite the improved second-quarter play, the Axewomen were able to hold on to their lead which they would expand through the remainder of the game, outscoring the X-Women 34–29 in the second half.
With this win, Acadia remains at the top of the conference with a 14–3 record, while the loss brings StFX to 3–15. The Axewomen will travel to Antigonish for their next game to face the X-Women at StFX this Tuesday at 6:00 PM and wrap up the regular at UNB next Saturday.
The X-Women host Acadia and conclude their season at home against Saint Mary's on Saturday.
RECAP BY: Ryan Wallace, Acadia Athletics